NESA Application Video

Liam Kirkpatrick's application for the NESA World Explorers Program-Amazon Biologist. Thank you for watching! Transcript: “My name is Liam Kirkpatrick and this is my NESA World Explorers Amazon Biologist application video. I’m recording this from Washington University in St. Louis, where I’m currently a freshman. I’m majoring in ecology and evolutionary biology and minoring in earth and planetary science. I think those two subjects are really strongly interrelated, and I really enjoy studying both of them. I think the World Explorers will be a great continuation of my studies in those two subjects and a great opportunity to put what I’ve already learned to work. “Here at Washington University, I’m one of 17 members of the Pathfinder Program in Environmental Sustainability. This program involves several courses centered around earth science, conservation, and the future of our planet, and includes two major trips to the field. Over spring break this year we had our first trip: to Mojave National preserve in California where we learned about the past, present, and future of the unique ecosystems of the American southwest. We visited ancient Native American sites, giant sand dunes, volcanoes, canyons, and even Death Valley. I think that the Mojave trip gave me great field experience that I’ll be able to apply to a World Explorers trip. The Pathfinder program also emphasizes the use of geospatial technology and satellite data to understand different environments—a tool that I think is very useful to studying any ecosystem. “Since this September, I’ve been working at a molecular biology lab here on campus, where I’ve mainly been working on projects studying maize—specifically, looking at autophagy, the process by which cells can recycle nutrients. Here I am in the Washington University greenhouse, where I’m currently growing maize for one of my experiments. I’ve carried out experiments involving growing several mutant strains of maize in varying levels of nitrogen starvation. These experiments are meant to study the effects of a low-nutrient environment on plants with a reduced ability to recycle nutrients. Right now I’m working on a project to create new mutant maize strains using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, a revolutionary new system for genetically altering organisms. Other lab duties of mine include performing DNA extractions, PCRs [Polymerase chain reactions], and other laboratory tasks. Working in the lab has given me great experience in designing, executing, and analyzing the results of experiments, which I think will be invaluable when it comes to conducting field experiments in the World Explorers program. “The reason I applied to the World Explorers program is that I’ve always had a real interest and passion for ecology, biology, and earth science, and I really like putting my scout skills to use while doing work in the field. In 2014, I participated in the Roving Outdoor Conservation School, or ROCS, at Philmont Scout Ranch, which was an awesome experience. During the 21 day ROCS trek, our crew learned all about the ecosystems and natural history of Philmont and the surrounding areas, while backpacking through the ranch and the Valle Vidal. “Thank you for watching my video. I think that the NESA World Explorers program will be a great continuation of my studies and experiences in the fields of biology, ecology, and earth science. I think that my experience in the field, in designing, conducting, and deriving the results from experiments and in working under challenging outdoor conditions in remote areas make me an excellent candidate for the program. I look forward to your response!"